01 September 2007

Tip of the Day: How To Make A Record Bowl

Learn how to transform an old record into a new bowl.

31 August 2007

Labs Wall Project: September progress!




September brings in new entries for the wall and big smiles on our faces:

The wall is almost halfway full of art works sent in by Etsy members who might not be able to make it out to the Labs to say hello, but know that a small piece of them is always here with us while we work away! We still need your help to fill up the rest of the wall...I wonder if it can be done by the holidays????

Haven't heard about the Wall Project yet? Catch up on the details in this post and this forum thread to see how you too can get involved!

We'll keep you posted as it fills up!

30 August 2007

Last Fridays Trunk Show * Etsy Green and Clean Guild

Next up the the Etsy Labs' LastFridays art party/trunk show series:

The Etsy Green and Clean Guild makes soaps, bath and body products, makeup, and scents. On Friday, August 31 from 6-8PM, EGCG will be hosting a trunk show shopping party at the Labs. We'll be browsing the wares for sale, listening to 80's music, enjoying blender drinks, and playing with samples of these fabulous products.

Click on any of these links for a sneak preview:

Coffin Color
Lollibomb
Magickal Realism
Martinsville Emporium
Soap
Xiane

The party happens at Etsy Labs, 325 Gold St., 6th Floor. Brooklyn, NY 11201. Please rsvp@etsy.com...see you soon!

9/2 Skill Share: the Coptic stitch






On Sunday, September 2 from 3-5:30 pm , we will be hosting an informal skill share on how to bind books using the Coptic stitch (the exposed spine method that results in the type of book pictured above). Please bring paper to fill your book and covers (such as covers from old books, boards from board games, bookboard, etc.). We will supply the rest.


To RSVP or if you have any questions, please contact julie@etsy.com.

29 August 2007

Tip of the Day: Shoe Box Shelves!


Do you have a shoe-buying problem? Do you have a surplus of knick-knacks? Two wrongs DO make a right! Take your shoe boxes and glue them together like a one-sided ziggurat to make a snazzy little display for small treasures or books. Apply craft glue to hold it together and fill the bottoms with rice or cans to keep your unit steady. If you're one for the post-modern ad design-as-display leave the shoe boxes as is, if not simply cover them with contact paper, paint or fabric.


This "specialized" stacking process can also be used to make a quick and sturdy staircase, if you substitute cinder blocks
for steps and use some plywood to box it all in. Be precise when measuring your plywood frame so that the cinder blocks don't wobble. Cinder blocks are cheap from your local hardware store, and often can be found laying around.
This would be good for that loft bed you have to climb a ladder to get into, or for your backyard deck. It would even make a nice display for potted plants in the garden.
Now you can stack your achievements to new levels while I work on my graphic design skills, yikes!

Seller Shout Out: whileshenaps

Today I am really feeling the soft sculptures made by "whileshenaps:"
I always love and appreciate when a plush artist really takes it to the next level...I also can really appreciate a cute softie...but just by looking at the pieces in this Etsy shop I can tell that a ton of time and attention go into making each piece.
One of the best parts of whileshenaps is the fact the title means what it says...this crafty lady actually makes all of her soft sculpture during the day while her daughter is taking her nap! Looking for some good reading or the crafty musings of whileshenaps? Check out her blog here and make it one of your daily reads!

28 August 2007

Sell your wares this Labor Day

JDub Records is throwing a BBQ on Labor Day (that's Monday, September 3) from 3-9PM, and they've told us about an opportunity for craftspeople such as yourself to sell there. It will cost $50, and you can sell what you want and demonstrate your craft if you like. Tables and electricity will be provided. Vendors should get there at 2PM.

The BBQ sounds pretty awesome: There will be music from JDub artists and friends, along with a Kosher vs. Vegan BBQ cookoff (you’ll be the judge), live silk screening, a craft village presented by Etsy, face painting, bocce, magic, and most importantly, a 30-foot inflatable water slide (bring a bathing suit or be prepared)!

The 'cue will be at 400 Carroll St. (between Bond & Nevins) in Brooklyn. Just take the F to Carroll or the R to Union.

Interested? Send an email with a link or photos of your product to aaron@jdubrecords.org and CC jen@meanredproductions.com. Happy Labor Day!


apron by vital.etsy.com

Hot Tip of the Day: Photoshop and Gimp 101

Have you been hearing a lot about Photoshop lately and all the wonderful things everyone says it can do to better your photos? Are you curious?

Do you have Photoshop and feel lost with how to use it or just need a little refresher course?

Well, you are in luck, because I found this great 50 minute tutorial all about using Photoshop for beginners!! Just click the play button to watch it right here:



Your product photographs on Etsy are essential to your success, because the photos are the only way your customers will be able to see what they are potentially buying. They cannot see it in person or pick it up and touch it. Using Photoshop or other photo editing software programs is such a great way to really make your photos on Etsy stand out from the crowd and get those initial clicks that just might lead to your next sales.

There are actually a ton of great Photoshop tutorials on Youtube that you can watch and learn from absolutely for free! Just search for the issue you need help with and several different videos should come right up! Here's a wealth of information for the beginner in Photoshop right here!

If you do not already have Photoshop and are looking for a free but similar photo editing alternative, check out GIMP. It is often used as a free software replacement for Photoshop and can be downloaded for free right here. You can find similar Youtube tutorials for GIMP on Youtube just like these.

And for a simple GIMP tutorial on how to make a banner, press the play button and look no further:


Happy learning and can't wait to see all of your awesome new photos and banners!!

27 August 2007

Win These Beads and Bead Happy!

Oh four LUXURIOUS strands of pandas and angels and some other beads! Aren't they sweet? They were donated to the labs a while ago and they haven't found a good home yet. Perhaps they could make their way into your etsy shop? All you have to do is answer the following quiz questions correctly and post a link to a cute kitten in your reply to this blog.
1. Name one etsy seller who's shop is less than a month old.
2. Name an etsy seller who's been in the news.
3. How many people's work contribute to the etsylabs blog?

Good luck! Don't forget the kittens!

Tip of the Day

EtsyRecycle Yahoo Group. Get free stuff and give away what you don't need. Brilliant!
textile art by meltedfabrics.etsy.com